DOLE opens one-stop help center for returning OFWs

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Friday opened in Mandaluyong City a processing center for its program designed to help returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz and Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma led the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Assist WELL Processing Center, described as a "one-stop shop of welfare, employment, legal and livelihood assistance for OFW repatriates."
The center is located at PST Hall, 4th Floor of the Philippine Overseas Administration, Blas F. Ople Building, Ortigas Ave., cor. EDSA, Mandaluyong City.
The center offers a convergence of services for those seeking to avail of DOLE's Assist WELL (Welfare, Employment, Livelihood, and Labor) program, which aims to help OFWs find work, re-train or create their own businesses upon their return to the Philippines.
"Ito pong Assist WELL program is a package of reintegration services to ensure the successful reintegration of OFWs returning to the country," said Amuerfina R. Reyes, POEA deputy administrator.
Through the program, returning OFWs could avail of P10,000 livelihood assistance being offered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and loans for those who want to start a business.
"Borrowers can loan between P300,000 up to P2 million depending on the nature of the business, payable at low interest rate of 7.5 percent per year and with a repayment period of five years extendible by two years," Baldoz said.
Repatriated OFWs can also get transportation assistance to any point in Metro Manila or temporary accommodation, as well as receive emergency medical assistance and stress debriefing.
They could also be given job placement referrals for local or overseas employment, as well as training opportunities under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Meanwhile, jobs in the construction, transport, and logistics sectors int the country await semi- and low-skilled workers.
They may also qualify for the HR requirements of mass housing, aerospace, iron and steel, metal casting, copper and copper products, chemical, and petrochemicals.
Professional and skilled workers also have a bevy of employment opportunities to choose from.
"At the end of the day, whether gustong maghanap-buhay or gusto ng wage employment, kailangan may magandang resulta," Baldoz said. —KBK, GMA News

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